We may be the only followers of Jesus that a person may speak to. Grace is the unmerited and undeserved gift of God to the world that He loves. John 3:16-17
Our speech should always be seasoned with God’s love for others.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
There is no other foundation by which man can be saved except through Jesus Christ. We go forth in His grace and peace.
Paul was given new understanding of the gospel by revelation of Jesus Christ. He profited in the Jewish works religion but when it pleased God He showed him a faith after the Cross. It is not religion of works but of grace, the gift of God, in Jesus Christ.
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
…there is a great difference between the desires of the world and God's desires, and between humanity's idea of love and God's definition. Scripture reminds us that real love doesn't envy and is not self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Instead, it's founded on confidence that God will meet our needs and mold our hearts' desires.
Jesus described how to approach the Father in prayer with confidence: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened … Your Father who is in heaven [will] give good things to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:7-11). First5
One of the most notable characteristics of worrying is that it fragments our lives. The many things to do, to think about, to plan for, the many people to remember to visit, or to talk with, the many causes to attack or defend, all these pull us apart and make us lose our center. Worrying causes us to be ‘all over the place,’ but seldom at home. One way to express the spiritual crisis of our time is to say that most of us have an address but cannot be found there.”
Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Gospel of Matthew) SabbathMoments
The widest river in the world is a body of water called If Only. Are you standing on its shore? Does it seem the good life is always one if only away?
According to the apostle Paul, the good life begins, not when circumstances change, but when our attitude toward them does. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). Paul embedded two essential words that deserve special attention: with thanksgiving. Sprinkled among the phrases Help me…, Please give me…, If only… should be two wonderful words: Thank you. Max Lucado
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version
Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. Faithlife Study Bible
Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts” (Jude 12). Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible
peace (Gk. eirēnē) (1:2; 3:15; Eph. 2:17; Phil. 1:2; 4:7) Strong’s #1515; rule (Gk. brabeuō) (3:15) Strong’s #1018: The Greek term eirēnē has a variety of meanings, including “unity,” “tranquility,” and “concord,” and corresponds to the Hebrew word shalom, which primarily means “wholeness.” In the NT, the Greek word is used for a harmonious relationship between people (Rom. 14:19), the order produced by a ruling government (Acts 24:2), and the reconciliation between God and a person through the saving work of Christ (Eph. 2:17). In 3:15, Paul encourages the believers to let “the peace of God rule” in their hearts. The Greek word for rule means “to act as umpire” or “to arbitrate.” The peace of God should act as our umpire when anger, envy, and other such passions arise in our hearts.
Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Ephesians 5:15–17 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil…
Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Mark 4:11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,
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